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Parents have been warned to be on alert over counterfeit Labubu dolls sold online and in stores.

Whether you think they’re cute or ugly, Labubus are the ‘it’ toy of 2025.

The fuzzy, famous doll is a must-have accessory for both children and collectors and was designed by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lunch.

Celebrity fans and viral unboxing videos have turned these quirky toys into a global craze.

Beijing-based Pop Mart is behind Labubu’s success, with sealed blind boxes keeping buyers guessing and rare editions turning each purchase into a lucky draw.

Record sales have turned the toy company into a billion-dollar company.

Each release of the latest toy sells out in minutes.

But their popularity has fuelled a booming black market of fakes, known as Lafufus.

Consumer group CHOICE bought fakes from online marketplace Shein and two from a two-dollar shop in Melbourne.

Three of the dolls had small, easily detachable parts.

Jarni Blakkarly from CHOICE said the small parts could pose a choking hazard to young children.

“On one of the dolls, the eyes popped out as you played with its face,” Jarni said.

Regulators in United States and United Kingdom have issued safety warnings, over concerns the counterfeits could contain harmful chemicals, including lead and dangerous dyes.

CHOICE is calling for stronger product safety laws.

“Australia has very lax protections when it comes to product safety and that’s a really big concern,” Jarni said.

“It’s a big concern that gaps in the law allow online marketplaces to sell products that could potentially be dangerous to children.” 
Spotting a real Labubu is easy if you know what to look for: 
Genuine figures have nine teeth, a QR code on the box and the official Pop Mart logo. 
They’re also harder to get your hands on than the fakes flooding the market.

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